Shirley R. Rucker

Published On: Dec 28 2012 06:03:49 AM CST

Shirley R. Rucker, age 69, of Highland, passed away on Monday, December 24, 2012 at Upland Hills Health following a brief illness. The former Shirley Ruzicka was born January 22, 1943 in Castle Rock Township to Anton and Helen (Shedivy) Ruzicka. Following graduation from the Highland High School, Shirley married Melvin Foley on June 3, 1961. The couple farmed near Highland until his death on April 5, 1982. Shirley married Elbert Rucker on January 29, 1983 and they farmed until moving into the Village of Highland in 1991. Shirley worked as a cook at many area restaurants including Dave’s in Montfort, Rebels in Stitzer and the Gin Mill and Grandma’s Kitchen in Highland. She was a member of the Highland Lion’s Club for 19 years and served as Secretary for many years. Shirley enjoyed playing cards with her friends, tending to her houseplants, playing marbles and taking care of her dog, Rex. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lottie (Roy) Lettman and a brother-in-law, Marvin Harms.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Elbert of Highland; six stepchildren, Buford (Cheryl) Foley of Highland; Pat (Wayne) Bjugstad of Madison; Sandra Foley of Fox Lake; Karen (Larry) Radke of Mauston; Patricia (Mike) Whelchel of Rockford, IL and Randy Rucker of Mcchesney Park, IL; 11 step grandchildren; 13 step great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Harms of Muscoda; a special niece, Sandy (Joseph) Schmelzer of Highland as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 5:00 P.M. Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home in Highland with Pastor Peter Berg officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4:00 P.M. Inurnment will be in St. John The Baptist Cemetery in Muscoda at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Highland Lion’s Club would be greatly appreciated.